Peace, not war, to solve human problems

In a two-hour interview, the Correspondent of the ‘Daily Worker’ London, A. S. R. Chari, got several points cleared by Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah about Pakistan. How is Pakistan, the Muslims’ demand for freedom?

Mr. Jinnah replied: “It is the Muslims’ demand for freedom because Muslims in Pakistan would be able to establish their own real democratic popular government. This government will have the sanction of the mass of the population of Pakistan and will function with the will and sanction of the entire body of people in Pakistan, irrespective of caste, creed or colour.”

Will Pakistan have any neighbourly relations with Hindustan (India)?

Mr. Jinnah said: “Certainly Pakistan will have neighbourly relations with Hindustan like any other two independent national States. I have said so several times. We will say “Hands off India” to all outsiders. Pakistan will not tolerate any outside design or aggression on this continent. We will observe something like the Monroe Doctrine.”

Asked about the British Government’s attitude to his demand, Mr. Jinnah said: “They have kept us on that line (the United India) for nearly a century. They try to put Hindus and Muslims together artificially and unnaturally. It is impossible.”

One is reminded of this 1944 interview in the wake of Indian Prime Minister Modi’s agenda against Muslims in India and Jammu and Kashmir that has been under siege for the last five months. Nobody knows when Modi will come to senses. What surprises the world where democracy prevails and human rights are not violated is the bloody carnage and inhuman treatment of all minorities. Pakistan’s elected Prime Minister Imran Khan has rightly pointed out the brutal policy of Mr. Modi. He is being criticised openly by almost all segments of Indian society.

Equally interesting is the socio-economic and political life of our Pak leaders.

Asked who is more loyal to motherland? Young citizens say: “We.”

Most of politicians most of time think of attaining power in their own interest, “come what may.”

Notably, the common man, bearing the brunt of soaring food and energy prices, has realised the need of the hour is national unity in the wake of challenges to country’s integrity and stability. “India has already built a number of dams in violation of the Indus Water Treaty to deprive us of water required for agriculture.”

The people from different walks of life, including the youths and poor masses, seem to have foreseen the perils from the aggressively monopolistic approach of some countries in the region. “One continues to martyr peaceful youth and even children in the forcibly occupied Kashmir?

Already alerted by the gruesome activity of American CIA’s Raymond Davis in Lahore sometime back and the secret operation in Abbottabad, the common people have decided to call upon the politicians to become selfless by following the example of the founder of Pakistan.

“They must iron out their differences. All political disputes should be settled impartially and faithfully in the national interest.”

The common man already has joined hands with armed forces as he did in September 1965 to defend Pakistan by all means. The common man wants to learn, as much as is possible for him, about the army role. One of the prerequisites to discuss, and appreciate critically the role of the armed forces is to look into the reason for achieving Pakistan. This is also essential to dispel a specific impression about military institutions being created by some critics and intellectually immature politicians.

Every Pakistani, whether a military officer or a civilian, has in mind that Islam is the most progressive religion of the world, which stands for peace and progress of mankind. It teaches that human welfare is the foundation-stone of the state.

The common man is again learning many things for his guidance from the Quran, the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. He keeps in mind that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a poor orphan boy who rose to the position of an efficient administrator and skilful general. Muhammad (peace be upon him), who touched every department of human life, was saviour of oppressed humanity.

The people of the East and the West came to know that he was a far-sighted reformer, a brave soldier, an impartial judge, a great statesman, an affectionate father and indeed a sincere friend in need. Justice and equality were his motto, generosity pervaded his conduct. Simplicity and sincerity, truthfulness and honesty were part and parcel of Prophet Muhammad’s character.

He encouraged the common people to turn their attention to trade and agriculture. Such measures contributed to building a national economy.

The comrades of Prophet Muhammad followed in the footsteps of their leader who had set an example of serving the mankind and defending the welfare state with all available means and capacity. People’s unity was a foremost source of strength.

A galaxy of brilliant soldiers and generals emerged as defenders of the state, who possessed extraordinary courage and capacity, foresight and military skill. It was under the command and leadership of those generals that Muslim soldiers who followed them were able to defeat and destroy the aggressor. They fought to the last for one idea—the idea of existence.

— zasarwar@hotmail.com